Since popularized by the motion pictures for J.R.R Tolkien's The Lord of The Rings trilogy, New Zealand has boomed as a tourist destination.
There is undeniably a lot of hype still surrounding much of this small country, but rest assured, these two little islands certainly hold their own - whether you're a film tourist or not.
Our 2007 profile of New Zealand outlines the whole country, offering general tips and an overview of culture and atmosphere.
This time, by request, we're focusing on the Northern Island's rich diversity of geological sites, exotic beaches, and visitor activities.
Mt. Maunganui
Also known as Mauao, this extinct volcano guards the entrance to Tauranga Harbour. The volcano is a sacred site for the Māori and overlooks the city of Tauranga.
Volcanic Mt. Ngauruhoe
If you are looking for film related sites, this volcano was used as Mt. Doom in Lord of the Rings. In Tongariro National Park, Ngauruhoe is the youngest, having first erupted about 2,500 years ago.
Wai-O-Tapu
Or "Sacred Waters", this active geothermal area in the Taupo Volcanic Zone is noted for colourful hot spring pools.
Waitomo Caves
A very popular tourist spot known for stalactites, stalagmites, and glowworms.
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Champagne Pool, Wai-O-Tapu
Mt. Ngauruhoe, Tongariro National Park
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Auckland Area Beaches
Many of the North Island's most popular beaches are located around the city of Auckland, including: Anawhata, Bethells Beach, Karekare, Piha, and Whatipu.
Cathedral Cove
Located within the Te Whanganui-A-Hei marine reserve, the cove is a very popular tourist destination. Another film-buff site, the cave (pictured directly below) linking Cathedral Cove to Mare’s Leg Cove was used in making The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.
Hot Water Beach
So named for underground hot springs affecting the beach between tides. Although it is a very popular destination for both locals and tourists, the area is also known for dangerous rip currents, holes and large waves.
Lake Taupo
Centrally located on the North Island, this lake sits in a volcanic caldera and is the largest freshwater lake in Australasia. Lake Taupo is also a great spot for fishing and is a popular area for skydiving and cycling.
Muriwai Beach
Home to a large colony of sea birds, this beach is popular for surfing, fishing, walking, and boating.
Ninety Mile Beach
Although much closer to 55 miles in length, this beach is still a stunning sight and is large enough to be easily noted on satellite photos at the very northernmost tip of the North Island.
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Cathedral Cove, Coromandel Peninsula |
The North Island boasts 27 RCI resorts (Gold Crown resorts below) from Wellington on the southernmost shore to the remote Bay of Islands in the north.
Club Paihia (#1374)
67 Williams Road
Bay of Islands, New Zealand
Phone: 64.9.402.8311
Fairway Lodge (#0826)
54 Golf Road
Mt. Maunganui,
New Zealand
Phone: 64.7.575.7886
Lake Edge Resort (#1708)
Main Highway 1
Taupo,
New Zealand
Phone: 64.7.378.4981
Sun Pacific Villas (#1635)
123 Muricata Avenue
Mt. Maunganui,
New Zealand
Phone: 64.7.575.2013
WorldMark Rotorua (#7824)
1420 Hamurana Road
RD4 Rotorua,
New Zealand
Phone: 64.7.362.4120
For booking, call a Points Partners Specialist at 1.877.968.7476. Press 1 for English, then 3 for Points Partners.
Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter
and Underwater World
www.kellytarltons.co.nz
Great Sights Coach Tours
www.greatsights.co.nz
Waitomo Glowworm Caves & Aranui Caves
www.waitomo.com
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*Information on Mt. Maunganui and Northern NZ at en.wikipedia.org, resort information at rci.com.
Special thanks to Court Touwslager for requesting the above profile of Northern New Zealand.
Your Owner Liaison Team is happy to assist you with more information. Call
1.866.769.6377.
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